A review of the Callogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Red Sea with the description of a new species

2016·7.2 MB·English

by  Naomi R. Delventhal

Zootaxa 4179 (2): 225–243 ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition)
Article ZOOTAXA
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Copyright © 2016 Magnolia Press ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition)
http://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4179.2.3
http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A456F585-0F3A-4F98-99CC-795A1A3603C4
A review of the Callogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Red Sea with the
description of a new species
NAOMI R. DELVENTHAL1, RANDALL D. MOOI1,2, SERGEY V. BOGORODSKY3,4 & AHMAD O. MAL5
1Department of Biological Sciences, 212B Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB, R3T 2N2 Canada.
E-mail: [email protected]
2The Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert Ave., Winnipeg MB, R3B 0N2 Canada. E-mail: [email protected]
3Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt a.M., Germany
4Station of Naturalists, Omsk, Russia. E-mail: [email protected]
5Marine Biology Department, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
Five species of Callogobius Bleeker have been previously reported from the Red Sea: C. amikami Goren, Miroz & Ba-
ranes, C. clarki (Goren), C. dori Goren, C. flavobrunneus (Smith), and C. maculipinnis (Fowler). Records of C. bifasciatus
(Smith) in the Red Sea are referable to C. clarki. Callogobius amikami has been previously known only from a single spec-
imen, the holotype from the Red Sea, and two photographs, a live juvenile from Oman and a live specimen at an aquarium
at Coral World, Eilat. We obtained a possible additional juvenile from the Red Sea, although we are unable to definitively
determine its identity. Red Sea specimens previously identified as C. maculipinnis [or C. irrasus (Smith)] represent a new
species, distinguished from the latter by normally having four sets of transverse mandibular rows on each side (rather than
three); this species is described here as Callogobius pilosimentum sp. nov. Four specimens of an additional, undescribed
species of Callogobius, C. sp. A, have been collected from the Red Sea, but we withhold a formal description because this
species is currently under study by colleagues. Callogobius sclateri (Steindachner), previously known from the Indo-West
Pacific, is reported from the Red Sea for the first time. A key to all seven species is provided. Each species is photo-
graphed, habitat is described and a brief description with detailed comparisons is provided. The new species and C. clarki
are endemic to the Red Sea.
Key words: taxonomy, endemism, key
Introduction
Callogobius Bleeker 1874 is a genus of moderately small gobies characterized by distinctive raised ridges of
papillae on the head and comprising more than 40 nominal species (Eschmeyer & Fricke 2016). It is widespread in
Indo-Pacific shallow marine and brackish environments, including coral reefs and coral rubble, tidepools, and
mangrove streams. Species are cryptic and rarely seen out of shelter, making them difficult to survey. Despite
considerable collecting and research over almost 200 years, relatively few specimens and only five species have
been reported from the Red Sea (Golani & Bogorodsky 2010). The first described Red Sea endemic Callogobius
was C. clarki (Goren 1978); Goren (1980) reviewed four species of Callogobius in the Red Sea, C. clarki, C.
irrasus (Smith 1959), C. flavobrunneus (Smith 1958), and described a new Red Sea endemic, C. dori Goren.
Callogobius irrasus was considered a synonym of C. maculipinnis (Fowler 1918) by McKinney & Lachner (1984).
Goren et al. (1991) described yet another Red Sea endemic species, C. amikami Goren, Miroz & Baranes.
Callogobius clarki was synonymized with C. bifasciatus (Smith 1958) by Randall et al. (1994), a decision
followed by other authors including Randall (1995) and Golani & Bogorodsky (2010), until C. clarki was
resurrected as a valid species by Delventhal & Mooi (2014).
In this paper we report the first record of Callogobius sclateri (Steindachner 1879) for the Red Sea, a species
with an otherwise widespread distribution in the Indo-West Pacific. In addition, we have identified four Red Sea
Accepted by W. Holleman: 6 Sept. 2016; published: 31 Oct. 2016 225
Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
specimens that, though resembling C. sclateri, represent an undescribed species: BPBM 18213 (male, 38.3 mm SL
and female, 34.5 mm SL), SMF 35772 (KAU 13-631; juvenile, 14.5 mm SL), and KAUMM 383 (KAU 13-32;
juvenile, 17.0 mm SL). This species can be distinguished from C. sclateri and other Red Sea species by the lower
lateral scale counts (22–25), partially united pelvic fins (about two-thirds of length in intact specimens), and the
fifth pelvic-fin ray no more than four-fifths the length of the fourth. These appear to be representatives of a
widespread species in the Indo-West Pacific that is presently under study by scientists at the Biological Laboratory
of the Imperial Palace, Japan. We include this species in our key as C. sp. A, but do not provide a formal species
description; one is forthcoming from these colleagues.
Our examination of the head papillae row patterns of Red Sea specimens identified as Callogobius
maculipinnis revealed a subtle difference compared to specimens outside the Red Sea. With rare exception,
specimens of members of the C. maculipinnis species complex collected outside the Red Sea have three sets of
transverse mandibular rows on each side of the lower jaw. In contrast, almost all Red Sea specimens have four sets
of transverse mandibular rows on each side of the lower jaw; we describe the Red Sea specimens as a new species.
We provide a key to all seven Red Sea Callogobius along with brief descriptions of each species, detailed
comparisons, habitat descriptions, and photographs.
Materials and methods
Specimens from the Red Sea are listed in their respective species accounts. In addition, we examined type
specimens of the Callogobius species listed in Delventhal & Mooi (2013), and representatives of C. maculipinnis
as identified from other geographic localities are provided in the new species account. The full account of the new
species is provided first, followed by the remaining Red Sea species summaries in alphabetical order.
Abbreviations for institutional codes follow Fricke & Eschmeyer (2015) and/or Sabaj Pérez (2014) excepting
KAUMM (King Abdulaziz University Marine Museum, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia—specimens temporarily housed at
SMF). Specimens that have been tissue-sampled are provided with a KAU number after the catalogue number.
Methods for morphometrics and meristics follow Delventhal & Mooi (2013), with the following additions.
Whenever possible, morphometric data were taken from specimens that had reached sexual maturity and that had
not become compressed, folded or otherwise distorted during preservation and storage. Full collection data are
provided for previously unreported material.
Scales. We recorded the anterior-most limits of ctenoid scales with appropriate landmarks (e.g., from the first
spine of the second dorsal fin, meaning, from a vertical line drawn from the first spine of the second dorsal fin) or
simply recorded a general pattern with its variation (e.g., ctenoid scales, if present, restricted to the caudal
peduncle).
Sensory pores and papillae rows. The alphabetical naming system for the sensory pores follows Akihito &
Meguro (1977) and descriptive names for pores and canals are modified from Takagi (1957). Figure 1 illustrates
the sensory pores and canals found in the new species. Cyanine blue dye prepared by the method of Akihito et al.
(1993) was applied when distinguishing between pores (which often end in short tubes) and pore replacement
papillae, the latter normally located where pores would be positioned in pored species (see Delventhal & Mooi
2013). Terminology for sensory papillae rows follows Delventhal & Mooi (2013). We comment only on papillae
rows whose length and orientation are variable among Callogobius species and generally consistent within a
species (these rows are labeled in Fig. 1).
Color pattern. In each species account, we recorded a range in the number of dark bars (e.g. 4–5 bars). In
general, each species has a specific number of possible bars in a distinct and consistent orientation, but the bars
themselves may or may not be visible due to changes in contrast caused by the environment and behavioural
response of the fish (e.g., Fig. 2). In addition, many Callogobius become increasingly dark and/or mottled as they
age. In these species, juveniles tend to be distinctly bi-colored, but the barring pattern becomes obscured in larger
fish. The color patterns of the pectoral and first dorsal fins are often useful in distinguishing species. Unfortunately,
the first dorsal fin is usually compressed in preserved specimens. The pattern on the pectoral fin often changes with
age. Photographs by the third author (SVB) are of live specimens usually under anesthetic; this can sometimes
result in different color patterns than might be seen before collection, but are usually more representative than
patterns in freshly dead specimens.
226 · Zootaxa 4179 (2) © 2016 Magnolia Press DELVENTHAL ET AL.
Callogobius pilosimentum sp. nov.
Hairy-chinned Flapheaded Goby
(Figures 1–2, Table 1)
Drombus irrasus (non Smith)—Goren 1979: 36.
Callogobius irrasus (non Smith)—Goren 1980: 213; Dor 1984: 241.
Callogobius maculipinnis (non Fowler)—Goren et al. 1991: 299; Goren & Dor 1994: 53; Golani & Bogorodsky 2010: 46.
Material examined. All specimens collected from the Red Sea.
Holotype. SMF 35756 (KAU12-0224), female, 36.4 mm SL, Saudi Arabia, Farasan Island, N16°43.083'
E42°03.934', isolated coral patch of lagoon, 3–5 m, S.V. Bogorodsky & T.J. Alpermann, 20 February 2012 (Figs. 1,
2A).
Paratypes (17 specimens, 25.5–67.0 mm SL). Egypt: BPBM 21518, male?, 41.5 mm SL, El Hameira, coral
knoll in 12 m, J.E. Randall & O. Gon, 25 April 1977; Saudi Arabia: KAUMM 373, male, 47.1 mm SL, Maqna,
N28°26'13.40" E034°45'47.80", steep slope, 7 m, S.V. Bogorodsky, 13 April 2011; KAUMM 374, female, 28.3
mm SL, Jeddah, Obhur (Sharm Obhur), N21°42'33.12" E39°05'48.26", base of rocky reef, 2 m, S.V. Bogorodsky,
19 April 2011; KAUMM 375 (KAU12-0220), male, 25.5 mm SL, collected with the holotype; KAUMM 376,
male, 37.0 mm SL, Farasan Island, N16°43.083' E42°03.934', isolated coral patch of lagoon, 3–5 m, S.V.
Bogorodsky & T.J. Alpermann, 20 February 2012; KAUMM 377 (KAU13-378), male, 28.5 mm SL, 30 km south
of Al Wajh, N26°03'30.36" E36°38'34.98", fringing reef, 8 m, S.V. Bogorodsky & T.J. Alpermann, 14 June 2013;
SMF 35757, 2 males, 29.7 mm SL (C&S) & 47.3 mm SL, Farasan Island, N16°54' 93.30" E41°50'76.10", lagoon,
isolated small coral patch, 1 m, S.V. Bogorodsky, 01 April 2011; SMF 35758 (KAU12-0218), male, 38.4 mm SL,
collected with the holotype; SMF 35759 (KAU12-0538), female, 35.8 mm SL, Farasan Island, N16°43.083'
E42°03.934', isolated coral patch of lagoon, 3–5 m, S.V. Bogorodsky & T.J. Alpermann, 28 February 2012; SMF
35760, male, 67.0 mm SL and female, 55.8 mm SL (Fig. 2C), Jeddah, Obhur (Sharm Obhur), N21°42'32.28"
E39°05'47.16", steep slope with patches of corals and small sandy flats, 14–16 m, S.V. Bogorodsky, 01 July 2013;
Sudan: BMNH 1978.9.8.12-16, 5 specimens (4 females with 1 C&S, 1 male, 44.5–61.9 mm SL), Suakin, coral
crevices in seawall, Manihine collections, 5 December 1950.
Other material. BMNH 1978.9.8.17-26, 10 specimens (6 females, 4 males, 36.9–70.7 mm SL), Sudan, Suakin
Archipelago, around seawall and from crevices, Manihine collections, 12 January 1951.
Tentative identification: USNM 296956, female, 44.3 mm SL, Red Sea, Egypt, just north of Ras Burqa, V.G.
Springer et al., 23 July 1969.
Diagnosis. Callogobius pilosimentum is distinguished from all other known Callogobius species by the
following combination of characters: interorbital canal normally containing pores B’, C, D, E, F, G and H’;
preopercular canal containing pores M’, N, and O’; temporal canal containing pores K’ and L’; scales in lateral
series 21–25 (usually 24); normally four transverse mandibular papillae rows (Row 16) on each side.
Description. Holotype values indicated by an asterisk. Parentheses enclose number of type specimens with the
particular value, counts made on both sides when applicable or possible. Dorsal fin VI + I,9(17*), VI + I,10(1);
anal fin I,6(1), I,7(17*); pectoral-fin rays 15(2), 16(11), 17(15*), 18(5); pelvic-fin rays I,5(36*); segmented caudal-
fin rays 9 + 8(1), i8 + 8(4*), i8 + 7i(12), ii7 + 8(1); procurrent rays 4 + 4(2), 5 + 4(15*), 5 + 5(1); scales in lateral
series 21(1), 22(3*), 23(4), 24(20*), 25(5); predorsal scales 6(5), 7(13*); transverse scales 8(3), 9(13*), 10(2).
See Table 1 for selected morphometrics.
Body moderately robust for the genus (Fig. 2). Head depressed, broader than deep. Snout obtuse. Mouth
slightly oblique, forming an angle of about 45º with body axis; lower jaw slightly beyond tip of upper jaw,
posterior end of jaws at or just before vertical through anterior margin of orbit. Anterior nostril moderately long,
slender tube, reaching halfway to anterior outer edge of upper lip; posterior nostril very short, upright tube. Eye
moderately large; upper margin of orbit slightly elevated above profile of head. Interorbital narrow. Gill opening
ending ventrally at lower edge of pectoral-fin base. Tongue broad, tip slightly bilobed. Urogenital papilla long,
slender and darkly pigmented in males; broad and darkly pigmented in females, no lateral flaps. Vertebral count
(based on two cleared and stained specimens) 10 precaudal + 16 caudal.
REVIEW OF RED SEA CALLOGOBIUS Zootaxa 4179 (2) © 2016 Magnolia Press · 227
FIGURE 1. Sensory pore and papillae pattern on the head of Callogobius pilosimentum sp. nov., SMF 35756, holotype,
female, 36.4 mm SL. A. Lateral view; B. Ventral view. Letter abbreviations of sensory pores follow Akihito & Meguro (1977)
and descriptive names are modified from Takagi (1957). Papillae row numbering follows Akihito and Meguro and descriptive
names are from Delventhal & Mooi (2013). Sensory pores: B = posterior nasal; C = anterior interorbital; D = posterior
interorbital; E = supraotic; F = anterior otic; G = posterior otic; H = intertemporal; M,N,O = preopercular; K = anterior
temporal; L = posterior temporal. Papillae rows: 2 = postnasal; 9 = anterior suborbital; 10 = mid suborbital; 11 = posterior
suborbital; 12 = longitudinal cheek; 13 = transverse cheek; 14 = longitudinal maxillary; 15 = longitudinal mandibular; 16 =
transverse mandibular; 17 = postorbital; 20 = preopercular; 21 = transverse opercular (rows 20 and 21 continuous). Scale bar =
2 mm. Illustration by RDM and NRD.
228 · Zootaxa 4179 (2) © 2016 Magnolia Press DELVENTHAL ET AL.
FIGURE 2. Callogobius pilosimentum sp. nov., live coloration: A. SMF 35756, holotype, female, 36.4 mm SL, Farasan Island,
Saudi Arabia; B. Fresh coloration, uncatalogued, Farasan Island, Saudi Arabia, illustrating pattern frequently induced by stress;
C. SMF 35760, paratype, female, 55.8 mm SL, Obhur, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Photos by SVB.
REVIEW OF RED SEA CALLOGOBIUS Zootaxa 4179 (2) © 2016 Magnolia Press · 229
TABLE 1. Selected measurements of the holotype and paratypes of C. pilosimentum sp. nov.; standard length is
provided in mm, values for other morphometrics are as percentage of standard length (SL) or head length (HL), as
indicated. For paratypes, the range is followed by an average value for all types in parentheses. The two largest
specimens (63 and 67 mm SL) were males (M), the next 3 largest specimens (55.8, 50.3, 49.3 mm SL) were females (F).
Holotype Paratypes
Gender F 9M,8F
Standard Length (mm) 36.4 25.5–67.0 (42.8)
Head length (% of SL) 33.0 29.1–34.1 (32.3)
Head depth (% of HL) 59.2 50.6–64.6 (58.8)
Head width (% of HL) 73.3 64.6–75.8 (70.2)
Interorbital width (% of HL) 5.4 4.1–7.8 (5.7)
Predorsal fin distance (% of SL) 38.5 34.3–40.4 (37.0)
Preanal fin distance (% of SL) 59.6 57.8–62.8 (60.3)
Prepelvic fin distance (% of SL) 33.0 29.6–35.8 (32.8)
Pectoral-fin length (% of SL) 31.3 29.7–35.4 (32.6)
Pelvic-fin length (% of SL) 23.9 22.0–28.1 (24.9)
Caudal-fin length (% of SL) 32.4 26.4–37.3 (31.9)
Caudal peduncle depth (% of SL) 13.7 12.3–15.5 (13.8)
Dentition. Teeth in jaws conical and slender in rows; outer teeth slightly larger than inner teeth. Outer teeth
present on anterior two-fifths of toothed portion of lower jaw; inner teeth of lower jaw tightly packed anteriorly,
about 6 irregular rows merging to single row posteriorly. Outer teeth of upper jaw extend over entire toothed
portion of upper jaw, about 5 irregular rows of inner teeth merging to single row parallel to row of outer teeth.
Fins. First dorsal-fin base short; anterior fin membranes incised, first three interspinous membranes incised
with spine tips free up to one-fourth their length, occasionally more for second and third spine (particularly in
males that have longer, filamentous fin spines), posterior interspinous membrane only slightly incised; second
spine longest. Second dorsal-fin base about twice that of first dorsal; segmented rays branched, penultimate ray
longest. Anal-fin base short; segmented rays branched, penultimate ray longest. Pectoral-fin rays branched except
for dorsalmost one or two rays; fin reaching to level of second or third anal-fin ray. Pelvic fins fully united with
membrane over entire length of medial rays; fourth segmented pelvic-fin ray barely shorter or subequal to fifth ray,
fifth ray almost reaching to anus; all segmented pelvic-fin rays branched. Pelvic frenum present and well
developed. Caudal fin rounded, length < 40% SL.
Squamation. All scales large and deciduous, with distinctly outlined centres. Scales cycloid on head and
anterior half of body; cycloid scales present on nape to interorbital, in spaces between papillae rows on cheeks,
preoperculum and operculum, on lateral side of pectoral-fin bases, prepelvic and predorsal areas, and belly. Scales
ctenoid on posterior half of body from mid-flank region below first to third spines of first dorsal fin. Ctenii
numerous, long, slender and pointed; no elongate ctenii on caudal peduncle. Most specimens with single large
cycloid scale in centre of pelvic disc (visible under pelvic frenum).
Cephalic sensory systems. Pores present (Fig. 1). Interorbital canal with pair of posterior nasal pores (pore B),
anterior interorbital pore (pore C), posterior interorbital pore (pore D), pair of supraotic pores (pore E), pair of
anterior otic pores (pore F), pair of posterior otic pores (pore G), and pair of intertemporal pores (pore H);
preopercular canal with three preopercular pores (pores M, N and O); each temporal canal with anterior and
posterior temporal pore (pores K and L, respectively).
Papillae row configuration (Fig. 1): Postnasal rows (Row 2) long and joined across midline (16*) or
overlapping (1). Anterior suborbital row (Row 9) short to moderately long, not reaching eye (34*). Mid suborbital
row (Row 10) short to moderately long, not reaching eye (34*). Posterior suborbital rows (Row 11) long and
overlapping (32*) or rarely short or irregular (2). Longitudinal maxillary row (Row 14) rarely irregular (1),
normally continuous and extending posteriorly to below and beyond (33*) transverse cheek row (Row 13), latter
short (31*) or rarely irregular (1). Longitudinal mandibular row (Row 15) continuous (21*) or irregular (3). With
4(31*), 5(2), or 2(1) transverse mandibular rows (Row 16) on each side of lower jaw, all but one specimen with 4
230 · Zootaxa 4179 (2) © 2016 Magnolia Press DELVENTHAL ET AL.
on at least one side; 15 of 17 type specimens with 4 on both sides. One specimen with 5 on one side and 4 on the
other (SMF 35760, 67 mm SL), and one with 5 on one side and 2 on the other (SMF 35759, 35.8 mm SL); latter
exhibits irregular patterns in several other papillae rows (Rows 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21). Postorbital rows (Row 17)
short (less than two-thirds of distance from the dorsal mid-line to bony edge of cranium) (8) or medium (more than
two-thirds of distance from dorsal mid-line to bony edge of the cranium) (24*), rarely irregular (1). Preopercular
row (Row 20) continuous with the transverse opercular row (Row 21) (25*) or separate (5).
Color in life (Fig. 2). General color pattern brown to dark brown with paler patches (Fig. 2A), or pale grayish-
brown with up to five dark brown mottled vertical bars on body and dark brown blotchy patterns with varying
contrast on head. Body bars, when visible (e.g. Figs. 2B & C, but not Fig. 2A), appear as follows: irregular bar may
extend dorsally over operculum and pectoral-fin base, slightly indented at first dorsal-fin spine; wide bar extends
below first dorsal fin; two wide, slightly oblique bars extend below mid and posterior portions of second dorsal fin;
narrow bar encircles posterior caudal peduncle, edge of hypural plate and proximal regions of the caudal fin.
Underside of head light brown or dusky, papillae rows may show great color contrast. First dorsal fin with dark
brown basal spot centered on fourth ray and continuous with dark body bar; may exhibit yellow markings on distal
margin. First and second dorsal fins dark brown with irregular, oblique, pale bands or rows of spots, some
individuals with irregular dark and pale pattern; caudal fin dark brown usually with pale spots forming irregular
bars. Pelvic and anal fins dusky or dark brown with or without paler blotches. Pectoral fin with dark irregular bands
or rows of spots and a dark medial mark at base. Urogenital papilla dark.
Color in preservative. As in life, although older specimens can be orange-brown with little pattern on body.
Most museum specimens damaged (species with fragile skin and deciduous scales) and body color pattern often
reduced to light brown or grey with dark outlines of scale pockets.
Etymology. The species name is derived from the Latin pilosus meaning “hairy” and mentum meaning “chin”,
referring to the extra rows of papillae on the chin. Specific epithet to be treated as a noun in apposition. Suggested
common name: hairy-chinned flapheaded goby.
Distribution and habitat. Restricted to the Red Sea. It is usually collected in shelters or close to shelters on
small sand flats (about 0.5–1 m across) of steep slopes, sometimes at the base of coral reefs, in closed areas in bays
and lagoons, at depths of 1–20 m.
Remarks. Goren (1980) listed Drombus irrasus Smith in the Red Sea as a first record. This species is
considered a synonym of Callogobius maculipinnis by most authors (e.g. McKinney & Lachner 1984, Goren et al.
1991); Eschmeyer & Fricke (2016) incorrectly attributed Delventhal & Mooi (2013) as recognizing Smith’s species
when the type was listed as comparative material. Although we have not examined Goren’s (1980) C. irrasus
material, we suspect that these specimens will belong to C. pilosimentum. Two lots of specimens that we identify as
C. pilosimentum (BMNH 1978.9.8.12-16 and BMNH 1978.9.8.17-26) were examined by Goren (1980) and
identified as C. irrasus.
Callogobius pilosimentum belongs to a “maculipinnis species complex” including the following nominal
species: C. bauchotae Goren 1979, C. irrasus (Smith 1959), C. kuderi (Herre 1943), C. maculipinnis (Fowler
1918), C. nigromarginatus Chen & Shao 2000, C. shunkan Takagi 1957, C. snelliusi Koumans 1953, and C.
vanclevei (Herre 1950). Species of this complex are characterized by having the temporal canal with pores K and L
(absent in all other Callogobius) and normally four or fewer transverse mandibular rows on each side (all other
Callogobius normally have more than 10). McKinney & Lachner (1984) synonymised C. irrasus, C. kuderi, C.
shunkan, C. snelliusi, and C. vanclevei with C. maculipinnis; they did not examine C. bauchotae (or C.
nigromarginatus as it was described after their work). However, their synonymies should be considered
questionable because all included species are poorly defined. Based on the first author’s examination of the types,
we are confident that several, or even most, of these species will prove to be valid after complete investigation.
Despite this, C. pilosimentum can readily be distinguished from the other members of this complex, all of which
normally have three transverse mandibular rows on each side. We previously examined the types of all the above
species in the maculipinnis complex except C. nigromarginatus. They all have three sets of transverse mandibular
rows, except C. shunkan which has extra irregular rows and is easily differentiated by other characters (Y. Ikeda
pers. comm.). These observations of the types were recently confirmed by Y. Ikeda (C. bauchotae, C. snelliusi, and
C. shunkan), M. Sabaj Pérez (C. maculipinnis) and D. Catania (C. kuderi). L. Parenti re-examined the holotype of
C. vanclevei, a distorted specimen that appears to have no fourth transverse mandibular row on either side. The
holotype of C. nigromarginatus was unavailable, but the illustration and text indicate that three transverse
mandibular rows are present (Chen & Shao 2000).
REVIEW OF RED SEA CALLOGOBIUS Zootaxa 4179 (2) © 2016 Magnolia Press · 231
We found only a single Red Sea specimen (USNM 296956, female, 44.3 mm SL) that has three transverse
mandibular rows on each side. We tentatively identify it as Callogobius pilosimentum, but we have not designated
it as a paratype. We presume that this is simply unusual variation in a species that normally has four on each side.
To evaluate variation in transverse mandibular papillae rows (Row 16, Fig. 1) in specimens outside of the Red Sea,
we examined 174 adult specimens identified in collections as C. maculipinnis ranging across the Indian Ocean
eastward to Mangareva (Gambier Islands, French Polynesia) in the Pacific Ocean (listed in Comparative material
below).
Of the 174 specimens examined from outside of the Red Sea, only three (< 1.7%) exhibited the condition of C.
pilosimentum of having four transverse mandibular papillae rows on both sides of the jaw. Even among these, only
one (WAM P27935-024) exhibited a normal, sequential four-row anatomy, and this specimen belongs to an
Australian ‘population’ that has distinctly higher meristic counts than other members of the complex (D. Hoese
pers. comm.). The other two specimens (USNM 332226 and ZRC 40669) have unusual morphologies where the
fourth transverse mandibular row on one side follows a free papilla and/or the first row is a branch of the
intermandibular row. An additional 11 specimens had four rows on only one side and three or fewer on the other
(6.3% of all specimens). From localities with the largest representation, an Indonesian lot (USNM 241882) had
three of 32 specimens having four transverse mandibular papillae rows on one side only and of 42 specimens in 11
lots from Fiji only two specimens had four such rows on one side. This is in contrast to the condition in C.
pilosimentum in the Red Sea where all specimens exhibited four or more transverse mandibular rows on each side
except one that had five on one side and two on the other, and one that had three on each side (USNM 296956).
In Callogobius pilosimentum, the anterior first dorsal-fin spines are usually free of membrane for one-fourth or
more of the spine length, particularly the second spine. Although clearly evident on some live specimens (Fig. 2),
this can be difficult to assess on preserved specimens. This feature is common to most, if not all, members of the
maculipinnis species complex so is not diagnostic, but is potentially of value to distinguish live or particularly
well-preserved specimens from Red Sea congeners.
Comparative material. Callogobius maculipinnis (listed west to east): Comoros—ROM 92691 (4); Oman—
ROM 39895 (6); Chagos—ROM 55107 (4); Sri Lanka—USNM 220035 (5); Cocos-Keeling—WAM P29928-022
(4); Western Australia—WAM 27935-024 (3); Thailand—ROM 58036 (1), 68041 (4); Indonesia—USNM 241882
(32), WAM P33093-002 (2); Singapore—ZRC 40669 (1); Philippines—ROM 53339 (3), USNM 297102 (2);
Taiwan—BPBM 23242 (1), USNM 298439 (8); Palau—BPBM 37767 (2), ROM 75955 (1); 76134 (1); Papua New
Guinea—BPBM 32638 (1), 32674 (2), USNM 297051 (2); Australia—MPM 48365 (1), ROM 38903 (1), USNM
297048 (3); One Tree Island—BPBM 14432 (4); Lord Howe Island—BPBM 14862 (1); Coral Sea—BPBM 33517
(1), 33629 (3); New Caledonia—BPBM 34270 (1), ROM 64155 (1), 64160 (2), 64416 (3); Vanuatu—BPBM 5765
(1), MPM 32132 (1), 46721 (1); Marshall Islands—BPBM 8296 (1), 17739 (1), 22349 (1); Fiji—BPBM 39866 (1),
40082 (1), ROM 57700 (5), 57701 (1), 57703 (3), 57705 (6), 57707 (2), 57708 (1), 57709 (2), 57710 (1), USNM
332226 (19); Tonga—BPBM 38115 (3), USNM 339828 (7); Tahiti—BPBM 8315 (2); Rapa—BPBM 17317 (1);
Mangareva—BPBM 13595 (3).
Comparisons to other described Callogobius species are based on our data from the available holotypes listed
in Delventhal & Mooi (2013).
Callogobius amikami Goren, Miroz & Baranes 1991
(Figure 3)
Callogobius amikami Goren, Miroz & Baranes 1991: 300 (Eilat, Israel, Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea; holotype TAU P-10321).—
Goren & Dor 1994: 63; Randall 1995: 329; Golani & Bogorodsky 2010: 46.
Diagnosis. Callogobius amikami is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters:
interorbital pores B’, D, E, F, G and H’ present; preopercular canal absent; temporal canal absent; dorsal fin VI +
I,10; anal fin I,8; scales in lateral series about 27; scales ctenoid from the first spine of the second dorsal fin to the
caudal-fin base; preopercular papillae row (Row 20) continuous with transverse opercular row (Row 21); body
coloration with strongly contrasting wide dark bars and narrow horizontal lines.
Brief description. Moderately stout-bodied species with slightly elongate and round-tipped caudal fin > 40%
SL in length. Scales large, cycloid anteriorly, ctenoid from first spine of second dorsal fin to caudal-fin base, scales
232 · Zootaxa 4179 (2) © 2016 Magnolia Press DELVENTHAL ET AL.
in lateral series about 27. Dorsal-fin rays VI + I,10, anal-fin rays I,8, pectoral-fin rays 18; pelvic fins fully united
with fifth ray equal to fourth (resulting in blunt-ended appearance), frenum weak. Anterior nostril slightly longer
than posterior nostril. Head pores present with interorbital canal normally containing pores B’, D, E, F, G, and H’,
preopercular and temporal canals absent. Preopercular papillae row (Row 20) continuous with transverse opercular
row (Row 21), more than 10 transverse mandibular papillae rows (Row 16) on each side.
Body of adults pale grey with about nine narrow black stripes following scale rows, short broad black bar
dorsally below posterior half of first dorsal fin, a slightly curved black bar below rear of second dorsal fin, and
black bar at caudal-fin base. Head whitish with three dark bars radiating from eye, one oblique across side of snout
anteriorly to chin, one across cheek and opercle, and one dorsoposteriorly across occiput. Broad irregular oblique
black bar from origin of first dorsal fin to upper part of opercle. Two papillae rows on cheek below eye black. Both
dorsal fins black, each with broad white dash anteriorly, oblique rows of white spots, and narrow white to hyaline
border. Caudal fin with large central brown area crossed by rows of black spots, margin white and broadest dorso-
posteriorly. Pectoral fin dark dorsally and basally, white ventrally. Presumed juveniles (see Remarks) white with
four narrow black bars on body, one on nape, one dorsally extending into first dorsal fin, one posteriorly extending
through anal fin and second dorsal, and one at caudal-fin base; bars in dorsal fins with orange spot; pelvic fin
white; pectoral fin mostly white with broad black dorsal and posterior margin with orange submarginal band;
caudal fin white with black bar in posterior third with orange bar within it.
Distribution and habitat. Confirmed only from the Red Sea. First reported by Goren et al. (1991) in the
original description of a single specimen (TAU P-10321) from Eilat, Israel collected at 6 m among coral pieces and
rocks away from the coral reef. A possible photographic record from Oman is discussed below.
Remarks. Callogobius amikami is most likely to be confused with C. dori. It differs in second dorsal- and
anal-fin ray counts (D2 I,10 and A I,8 in the holotype of C. amikami vs. D2 I,9 and A I,7 in C. dori), and in adult
color pattern (distinct vertical bars present vs. absent).
Our measurements and lateral scale counts taken from the holotype (Fig. 3A) differ slightly from those of
Goren et al. (1991), who measured the holotype at 28.4 mm SL and counted 24 scales in lateral series. Our shorter
SL measurement is likely due to stiffening of the specimen in preservation; our higher lateral scale count can be
attributed to uneven scale distribution and individual researcher technique. Goren et al. (1991) stated that the
holotype is a male; we found the gender to be ambiguous.
A second specimen of C. amikami was photographed by J.E. Randall in 1993 at Coral World in Eilat (Fig. 3B).
We were unable to determine if the specimen was eventually preserved and added to a collection.
Debelius (1993: 263) provided a photograph of a single live juvenile Callogobius taken in Muscat, Oman
(Western Indian Ocean) that he identified as C. amikami, but no specimens were taken. The photographed
individual displays sharply contrasting narrow bars, with the bars having bright orange central markings on the
pectoral, first and second dorsal fins, and caudal fins. Randall (1995) followed Debelius (1993) in listing C.
amikami as occurring in Oman. We consider this identification to be uncertain. The color pattern of C. amikami
differs slightly from the photograph (although some differences would be expected from developmental change);
the holotype of C. amikami has much wider bars and darker fins. The live photograph of the holotype in Goren et
al. (1991) does indicate orange on the first dorsal fin, supporting the identification of the Oman specimen as C.
amikami, however, the latter appears to have an anal fin ray count of I,7 (as opposed to I,8 in the holotype C.
amikami).
The third author collected and photographed a 7.2 mm juvenile from Al Wajh bank, Saudi Arabia (Fig. 3C)
that resembles the specimen in Debelius’s photograph. This individual was very secretive, hidden inside the base of
dead coral in fringing seaward reefs at a depth of 3–5 m. Microscopic examination revealed that the lateral scales
are not yet fully developed on this specimen and second dorsal- and anal-fin ray counts are I,9 and I,7 respectively,
lower than the counts on the holotype of C. amikami. Instead, these counts match those of C. dori, although no tiny
juveniles of the latter are known. We are uncertain that this specimen represents C. amikami.
Representative Red Sea Material (2 specimens, 7.2 & 26.2 mm SL). Israel: TAU P-1032, holotype, sex
uncertain, 26.2 mm SL. Saudi Arabia: SMF 35770 (KAU13-142), juvenile (tentative identification), 7.2 mm SL,
Al Wajh bank, N25°35'52.86" E36°41' 01.80", seaward slope of unnamed island, sediment with coral patches, 3–5
m, coll. S.V. Bogorodsky & T.J. Alpermann, 12 June 2013.
REVIEW OF RED SEA CALLOGOBIUS Zootaxa 4179 (2) © 2016 Magnolia Press · 233
FIGURE 3. Callogobius amikami Goren, Miroz & Baranes: A. Preserved specimen, TAU P-10321, holotype, sex uncertain,
26.2 mm SL, Eilat, Israel; B. Aquarium specimen in 1993, Coral World, Eilat, about 40 mm TL, collected by A. Miroz. C.
Callogobius cf. amikami, live coloration, SMF 35770, juvenile, 7.2 mm SL, Al Wajh bank, Saudi Arabia. Photos by NRD (A),
J.E. Randall (B) used with permission, SVB (C).
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